Giant's Causeway Being Relocated to Ashford

Giant's Causeway, who thrilled race goers worldwide with his battling performance in the 2000 Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), will stand next year's breeding season at Ashford Stud near Versailles, Ky. The Kentucky-bred 4-year-old son of Storm Cat stood at Ashford's parent outfit, Coolmore Stud in Ireland, for the 2001 breeding season. His fee was IR$100,000 (approximately $122,000). Coolmore reported that American breeders sent him no fewer than 41 mares, and 41 are in foal.

Nicknamed the "Iron Horse," Giant's Causeway won six group I events--five in succession as a 3-year-old. He was Cartier Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old colt in England and Ireland. He was retired with nine wins from 13 starts and $3,078,989 in earnings. His dam, Mariah's Storm (by Rahy), was a grade II winner. In the Breeders' Cup Classic, the colt's game effort came up short as Horse of the Year Tiznow emerged victorious.

Giant's Causeway's move to the U.S. mirrors that of Nureyev, who stood his first season in France before taking up stallion duty in Central Kentucky. Nureyev has sired 125 stakes winners.

Giant's Causeway's fee will be announced at a later date, but it is believed that it will be in the $125,000 range.